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Essay Writing: The Introduction

From http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/elc/Sample/Advanced/unit1/u1_l1a_1.htm

Parts of the Introduction
	The introduction is the beginning of an essay. It does the same job for an essay as the topic sentence does for a paragraph. In a paragraph, the topic sentence tells the reader what the subject of the paragraph will be and how it will be developed. In an essay, the introduction, which can be one or two paragraphs, introduces the topic. There are three parts to an introduction: the opening statement, the supporting sentences, and the introductory topic sentence. There are many ways to write an introduction, but it is necessary to include each of the three parts: an opening statement or question that attracts the reader's attention — this is often called "the hook", supporting sentences which link "the hook" to the thesis, and a thesis statement that states the purpose and plan of the whole essay. In the example introductory paragraphs below, the opening statement, supporting statements, or thesis statement is highlighted. The "Hook" or Opening Statement Hugh Lofting's character, Dr. Doolittle, could talk to animals and they could talk back. Many people fantasize about having such a skill. Imagine being able to talk to your household pets and getting a response back. Could it ever be possible? Language acquisition studies among primates such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobo chimpanzees suggest that the answer is yes, and no. Supporting Statements Hugh Lofting's character, Dr. Doolittle, could talk to animals and they could talk back. Many people fantasize about having such a skill. Imagine being able to talk to your household pets and getting a response back. Could it ever be possible? Language acquisition studies among primates such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobo chimpanzees suggest that the answer is yes, and no. Thesis Statement Hugh Lofting's character, Dr. Doolittle, could talk to animals and they could talk back. Many people fantasize about having such a skill. Imagine being able to talk to your household pets and getting a response back. Could it ever be possible? Language acquisition studies among primates such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobo chimpanzees suggest that the answer is yes, and no.

Parts of the Introduction
	The Opening Statement The purpose of the opening statement is to make the reader want to read the essay. The opening statement is often called the "hook" because it acts like a fishing hook: it catches the reader's attention it pulls the reader into the essay There are many different ways to write a hook. Here are a few of the types of hooks that you can use: Question: Can you remember the fear and excitement you felt the first time you went to a foreign country? Statistic: The majority of American visitors to Canada in 2001 arrived by automobile. Quotation: "Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive." Robert M. Pirsig — Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
	The Supporting Sentences In an introduction you begin with the hook. Then you guide or lead the reader from that opening sentence to the topic and the thesis statement. The supporting sentences help your reader understand how the hook is linked to the topic. They help the reader focus on your specific topic. The sample paragraph above is only one example of how to link the hook to the topic. Although there are many ways to write an introduction, the important point is that you lead the reader to your main idea and topic. You will learn more about other ways to write an introduction in Lesson 1B. Before that, let's look at thesis statements.